1

I would just start with a recruiter and resume writer right away.

2

I would do more cross training while in the service. The military pushes service personnel to train to meet service needs not civilian needs. Take time to do non-military training.

3

Mine was totally fine I wasnt nervous about things and it just seemed to come together well for myself and my family

I know thats not the case with others..

4

Start early, build Linked and network no less than year out, possibly get master degree, defiantly get certification in project management, and other skills required for civilian career.

Also you much critically look at your budget and expenses.

5

Look for jobs sooner and try to have one already waiting.

6

Attend ACS resume classes as early as possible.

7

Saved money to prepare better for it.

8

I would do the same thing. Request to take as much leave as possible to start interviewing and working on finding a new job before getting out.

9

I would have completed my degree.

10

Take as much college as possible prior to transitioning. Apply for some civilian positions while still on active duty to add to my resume.

11

I would probably attend some of the courses if I could find out where they were.

12

Network with as many peoe as possible.

13

Start networking earlier.

14

Start earlier and disengage from the Army work sooner.

15

Be much better prepared to job search

16

Ask for more help.

17

Network better and understand the landscape

18

more networking

19

Always have a backup plan . Job market is very volatile

20

I would have taken one of the other job offers I had because after transitioning I realized it would have aligned better with my long term goals and I actually was well qualified for

21

Networking is king!

22

Take some time off.

23

I would simply prepare myself mentally for the fact that the transition is hard. I honestly believe that I went through a grieving phase.

24

Collected contact information for more individuals that I served with since you lose that entire network when you leave. Connect on LinkedIn or get an email address so that if the person moves or changes phone numbers, you don't as easily lose contact. These people make excellent references and may be able to assist with transitioning as they may go before you do or they may have friends where you are going.

25

complete my masters program

26

I would have applied for even more positions than I did. I had an employer lined up, but went with another employer during my transition leave.

27

Eductaion.

28

I would have started the job search one year from the start date of my retirement.

29

Plan more time for transition.

30

Prepare, read, coonect with others who have successfully transitioned.

31

Finish my degree

32

I would have worked harder - and started earlier - to develop a network of connections in the city I was retiring to.

33

I would start the search and transitioning process much sooner than I did. I believe that a full year is necessary for preparation.

34

Formally apply with a Law Enforcement agency or pre-sign for college.

35

FIGHT TO STAY IN THE ARMY.

36

apply early in the town where I was headed

37

would have started the search earlier; would have educated myself earlier; however, those were pre-internet days, more challenging

38

Have briefers explain in detail VSI & SSB

Have ACAP work just as hard w/me as senior NCO's & Officers.

Have ACAP assist w translating my resume for civilian companies

39

Tailor my resume more, and decide on a transition location earlier

40

Network

41

Start at least one year out. Go to the transition program several times.

42

Unfortunately, I would take what career counselors were saying in the Army much less seriously.

43

more net working

44

Start sooner

45

Prepare better while I was still and and strategically plan my transition and seek the help of Hire Heroes USA

46

Have a little patience--some really good job offers came later, but I had already accepted an assignment...

47

I probably would have stayed at my first job longer - second job was a mistake. I was still thinking in terms of the three year rotation!

48

I would skip all of the transition programs offered by the military and instead would have spent my time learning how people apply for and get positions in the civilian world. The entire hiring process was not discussed and is one of the most vexing issues to transition. Educate yourself on how people get hired in today's economy.

49

Work more with recruiters, look at job fairs, reach out to chain of command/command for advice and help.

50

I would not have retired.

51

Not be a contractor. Wait for company to propose salary

52

I would have prepared myself to be full-time student especially with the limited educational benefits which were part of my contract 30 years ago. I was not focused and burnt through the benefits before finalizing my degree.

53

taken advantage of my down time to get college courses done.

54

I would have stayed in the U.S. Army for 30 years.

55

Be as prepared as I was to do my job in the military. Not to be coached or counciled by individuals who knew nothing about war, could not speak my native tongue(English) and to feel like I was a person who was of value to the world

56

I would have started planning much earlier. I decided to retire only 5 months before retiring.

57

Start planning earlier. Interview for positions earlier. Network and volunteer earlier.

58

looking on the internet for a better job.

59

Start applying for jobs sooner. I took a short break after the military thinking I would be able to land a decent job with little effort.

60

As a Veterans Employment Representative, I have learned so much about job search skills, I would do almost everything differently.

61

More networking.

Exploration of my passions and interests.

62

Network more. Specifically, so I could get a either a GS position or a position with a military contractor.

63

Learn better negotiating techniques

64

Get a degree.

65

I would have taken a sales position and stretched myself more.

66

I worked two jobs that were with mainly the military and once those jobs went away and I moved I would say figuring out what you want to do is the hardest thing but the most important thing!

67

just be prepared for more than one experience of opportunity.

68

I wouldn't have gotten out.

69

Had a better plan. Or never left.

70

Better moving transition

71

I would have stayed in the military and changed jobs that aligned with my future goals.

72

Started the business while I was in the military and built a connections database.

73

I would have applied to college

74

Find and attend some kind of classes helping to transition

75

Start sooner. Develop a resume at the beginning of my career and update along the way

76

I would have re-enlisted!

77

To many to list.

78

I would have connected with more people. Get contact information for your fellow service members who can serve as references and who are so accomplished and high speed that you know when they transition it will be somewhere successful. That way, in the future you can leverage those connections. LinkedIn is a great place to connect as it won't matter if their email or phone number change.

79

Focus on Networking, less time filling out job applications.

80

I would choose my education goals around a civilian job I would want.m

81

Start at the two year mark.

82

I would have applied to schools earlier, as I had to go to a back up school because I was unable to get my application in on time.

83

Not sure it would have been hard no matter what

84

Get assistance getting that first job. This was something completely foreign to me.

85

I would begin speaking with a recruiter earlier (I started 3 months from transition... when I got home from deployment). I would have started my LinkedIn account with the title of "transitioning JMO" or "transitioning soldier" 12 months from my transition date. I would have taken a tactical pause and really thought about where I wanted to land geographically (cost of living fluctuates greatly from region to region.) I would apply to throw-away jobs (ones that I really wasn't interested in) just to get more experience interviewing before the job that I was really interested in.

86

Contact civilian recruiters immediately.

87

Choose a different MOS, do more college while in the military.

88

I would get civilian equivalency, paper it is all what manner and without it you are force to accept jobs that in most cases will pay less even if you are more qualified and have more experience

89

I'd of stayed in

90

Get started networking earlier. Get medical issues resolved earlier. Start the process seriously earlier.

91

Have realistic expectations about salary, entry level can be fine if there is a chance to move up.

92

I would not transition

93

Begin searching earlier and get with a recruiter sooner...like before retiring.

94

I would concentrate only on resume, linkedin, and Bradley-morris. Disregard all others.

95

Prep earlier, attend job conferences earlier in the transition process.

96

Hmmm, while the contract I was working on was extended, the financing was not... therefore I am back searching for a new position and using the only job search experience I had. That said I am really working my LinkedIn, social, and professional networks hard.

97

Continue my education, get a degree.

98

I would network and go to career fairs- earlier

99

If I could go back and re-accomplish my transition from the military I would have cut my monthly spending in half and paid off my debts as quickly as possible.

100

Stay military.

101

Better identification on what exactly people in the real world are looking for. They are not looking for military resumes that haven't been converted into civilian speak.

102

I wouldn't have gotten out. I would have stayed in, went through another deployment, and just reclassed my MOS to something more fitting for my personality and body.

103

Start networking.

104

Chose a different career field and completed my degree prior to separation.

105

Check on the non-profit organizations aimed at helping vets.

106

Spend more time really investigating job descriptions posted on LinkedIn.

107

Start earlier and commit to transition and preparing yourself.

108

I probably would have reenlisted.

109

Find out about veteran resources before I got out.

110

I would take the time to seek out assistance with my resume and would do some job training while I was transitioning.

111

I would have completed a degree.

112

I would have sought a better job. (I left my first position and work for a new company that I am satisfied with)

113

There are many more agencies and resources for help with the transition process today, than when I left the military in 1986. Nonetheless, I was able to sufficiently take advantage of the resources available at the time in having a successful transition.

114

Go into the reverse Until I had twenty years

115

If I had the knowledge and tools I have now, I would be able to find a job in my field in less than 90 days.

116

Start networking sooner.

117

Would have taken more advantage of educational programs in the military.

118

Save more money.
Get help when filing VA claims.

119

No change---the key is good networking while on active duty, doing your job well while in the military, and knowing what you want to do well before leaving the military.

120

Prepare and take the PMP certification before I transitioned.

121

Take more terminal leave before starting new job.

122

Talk with people about salary negotiations. I had a poor reply the first time I was asked about my salary requirements.

123

I would start a professional network

124

Know what I really wanted to do when I retired and not flounder around for two years.

125

Go directly to military contractors and feed them my resume. Oddly enough their website information and contacts were not really listed with the transition assistance center.

126

I would not allow anyone to rush me out the door. I would make sure that I was told about assistance, VA benefits and the importance of filing. Because of not knowing I have been denied a higher rating because it took my too long to claim.

127

Complete more research regarding what a successful transition looked like. Did more networking with Veterans and civilians.

128

start about a year and a half earlier and have several different routes (career paths) to take.

129

Understand and appreciate my Army training and appreciation and put it to better use.

130

Network earlier. Start earlier.

131

Figure out two-five companies I'd like to work for and attack every angle on those companies. Focus my efforts on doing so rather than be scattered across a myriad of different companies which was a waste of time.

132

Start earlier I started a year out and should have started 3-5 years out in preparation.

133

Have 6-12 months of income in a savings account set to live off while transitioning.

134

everything
i would have started earlier and had many more iterations of speaking with people to learn about different jobs, to explore possibilities
also, i had a personal situation that made things worse than they should have been

135

I would have taken another week off between jobs.

136

I would find a few other mentors earlier on in the process. I ended up having three mentors by the time I transitioned but didn't find the last two until 2 months before my transition. I would recommend Veterati.com, American Corporate Partners, Boots Up (www.bootsup.us), and Stand Beside Them (www.standbesidethem.org)

137

I would have stayed on Active Duty longer after having completed company command and dedicate myself completely to transition for 2-3 months in a less demanding role.

138

Investigate other career fields that may be of interest to me and how my skills may fit.

139

Network earlier. Better job of learning opportunities available and what I want to be when I grow up.

140

I would have stayed in the military longer and applied for Green to Gold in order to become an officer.

141

I transitioned once previously, back in 2003. I had significant reintegration difficulties, but did not understand what was happening. I did not avail myself of the assistance available to transitioning service members and veterans. This time I am being medically retired, and I am using every tool available both in service and out to prepare for a healthy and successful transition for myself and my family.

I strongly encourage transitioning service members to get counseling if they find the stress of transition to be challenging them. A lot of feelings will come up during this process. It is very helpful to talk this over with a professional.

142

I would begin my networking earlier.

143

Start ACAP process earlier.

144

Network further out and become more involved in community activities as a means to network.

145

Schedule more informational interviews. This would gain me interview experience and broaden my network more.

146

Go on more visits to companies before making my final selection.

147

I would have saved more money prior to getting out and been more frugal during my first job. I never worried about money on active duty. There was always a field exercise and/or deployment where I would save money. After getting out, you are always paying for something, taxes are higher, and it is easy to get into debt in the civilian world.

148

I would have completed professional certifications (PMP, etc) while still on active duty.

149

Take a few month off and then look for work

150

Identify the field I wanted to enter way in advance and learn everything about that field. Do voluntary work within that field if possible. This is how I secured my first job before I was discharged. It is difficult for an employer not to hire you when you already work for them for free.

Just approach a company and show them that you are passionate about working in the field and tell them you want to get some experience. Get you foot in the door first and if they like you and a job come up, they will hire you.

Do not treat a voluntary position with any less commitment you would a paying job. You can very easily screw it up by a poor work ethic.

Under offer and over deliver and they will be biting your hand off to give you the job at hiring time!!

151

Start earlier - instead of getting sweet certifications just start applying to companies - over-certification could be an issue

152

I would have been more prepared mentally. I would have save a little bit more money.

153

Take some transition leave if available.

154

I would have reassessed my retirement location and applied for the jobs in the developing areas/states.

155

Start early and line up the job prior to separaration.

156

Not attend ACAP its not worth the time let service members do their own after first day if they have a plan that is viable let them move out and begin their job search

157

Apply for military related position at an Army base

158

Join the reverse

159

Go through a program that helped me figure out what i was good at, passionate about, valued. Then taking those facts and linking them to specific jobs, and then specific companies. Do lots of informational interviews. get a mentor.

160

I would have been enrolled in school and had a part time job lined up before I got out.

161

ask lots of questions and expect the same for answers

162

I'd go back to work sooner. We came home at the end of the calendar year and I returned to teaching the next fall. It was not a good time.

163

Not retire and stay on active-duty until mandatory retirement date.

164

I would not have transitioned from OCONUS. I would have tried to PCS to the US, and dropped my Unqualified Resignation from my next duty station.

165

I would have stayed in the Army.

166

Apply for a federal job and move sooner.

167

I would make sure my finances were in order wya before I even think about transition.

168

I would study and prepare 5 years or more from retirment date

169

Spend much more time prior to leaving the military to find a job.

170

Pick a better more practical major in college.

171

I would have prepared myself for a completely different career field.

172

I wouldn't waste my time attending any transition programs because they were worthless. I would just start working on getting a job a lot further out and would have finished my degree somehow before I got out. I believe I would have just stayed in if I knew what I was going to face on the outside.

173

Even though I had a job lined up prior to transitioning I would go back and spend more time building a stronger resume

174

Save up some money

175

I would be more open to getbhelp from the VA, American Legion and school veteran's clubs. I may have even joined the reserves atbthe time.

176

I would have put in a request for a unit transfer

177

Decide in advance what I really wanted to do, or at least the broad career field. I was applying to business schools left and right, but really had no idea what I wanted to do--big mistake.

178

LOTS OF THINGS! i.e. never left Alaska...

179

ask a lot more question

180

If I had to do it all again I don't think much would have changed. Most of my leadership was to busy planning for their future in the military to let me attend college or a skill school.

181

I would have gotten out sooner to transition to college

182

Go to some of the TAP programs and find out the details of retiring

183

plan out my living situation better, finalize my divorce, and run a more in depth audit for my degree program so I could avoid redundant classes

184

I would have gotten out sooner to transition to college

185

I would have transitioned out of the state I moved to after I retired. I would have been able to develop my network sooner.

186

Get a cdl before leaving my duty station

187

Attended internships in the summer rather than taking a break from school.

188

I would have used more of the local workforce board resources to find a better paying job.

189

Lock down health care options (including dental) at my new home. I had no idea where to look or who to ask...the Tricare briefings at SFL-TAP were useless.

190

More PT, more meditation, laugh more.

191

Start networking and preparing sooner!

192

Begin the process further out and accept that fact that I am going to leave the military.

193

It would have been better to transition in the US. but I wasn't leaving my family. Not sure I could have done much more back then.

194

Because of my promotion to Warrant Officer, I had to attend when there were slots available, and because I am reserves, there are even fewer slots available.

There isn't much I could have done differently.

195

I'd take my time, take advantage of all resources offended. Take advice,

196

I would have started the process about a year before I transitioned

197

Have a CDL and spoke with more companies.

198

I would go to a different college.

199

File BDD with the VA even earlier.

200

Attend any and all training and counseling

201

Remained in service longer.

202

Save more money, in order to have the option of passing up the first job that I was offered.

203

I don't think so. It turned out for me. Sometimes I wish I would have went back to school for an MBA, but I don't think it need it (like to have kind of thing at this point).

204

Would have started the "game" months in advance. would have immediately utilized my G.Il. Bill...

205

Contact more people/offices regarding the lack of TAP services.

206

Network with meaningful contacts at least one year prior, and get civilian equivalent certifications to account for my military skills.

207

Not blow off the transportation appointment. I was transferred 3 years after retiring from the Army and could have used the move benefit. $10,000 mistake

208

start earlier, get out in a populated area, speak a new language and understand culture is the most important

209

Get my visa sorted out before I left the military

210

Spend less time on online job boards

211

I would have started preparing for a future outside the military earlier (2 years or more prior to separation)

212

Not try to find a real job just go straight to school and work partime until I finished my degree

213

Get letters of recommendation and contact information from all of my raters/intermediate raters/senior raters before my retirement. Folks will tell you verbally they are there for you, then are unreachable after their retirement/moving out of the area.

214

Get some additional certifications for areas like project management, CISSP, cybersecurity

215

I would have absolutely ensured that I would have been self employed.

216

Save more money to tide me over.

217

Complete a PMP certification and optain a LEAN SIX Sigma Green Belt.

218

Not much! I had solid mentoring!

219

I would retire at 21 years instead of at 25 years.

220

In the beginning, looking at higher level starting jobs.

221

Start the process a lot sooner.

222

Get certs and network more efficiently and design my own self TAP plan/program and ignore the system.

223

Be more selective on employment positions accepted

224

I would network in the community where I wanted to work more

225

ask for more money and a higher position/look for a higher position.

226

Pick a different company to work.

227

I would have started with where I'm currently at

228

I would have taken the Government career route...

229

I would have stayed single and stay in the Army.

230

I would be much more specific about the career I wanted to go into, and do targeted training and research into where that career would be best to get jobs at. I also would have worked at networking much more extensively, especially with civilians in my targeted industry.

231

Wait another 2 years before retiring.

232

LinkedIn became the central point for finding my job.
I should have spent more time polishing my LinkedIn profile, earlier, to cut down the time in the job search.

233

Teach self more about starting work in the civilian industry. Actual translation of skills, interviewing, networking... All of the things I learned from OJRV.

234

First off, the notion that you can take 12 months to transition while serving is nonsense. I was stationed at Fort Irwin and I wanted no part of that post or California. So I knew moving to a new location was going to be difficult. Next, don't believe the hype of military friendly companies. They might have a Vet working but they are not the hiring manager. Next, understand the resume process and the ATS system that screens all resumes for the company before a human even reads it. This is where networking comes in.

235

Be realistic. I got extremely lucky. Vet education benefits come with strings attached. Don't be thrown by this stuff. Be flexible.

236

I would have practiced my interview skills better.

237

I would have started earlier and I would not have limited my search so much from a geographical standpoint.

238

Wait a year before leaving and make sure I left at the end of the year, leaving in the middle creating extra hassles filing taxes in 2 states.

239

Not transition.

240

I would prepare my resume to be search engine "key word" friendly...

241

I took a contract to Afghanistan because I knew I could not find a job I really wanted straight out of the military and school.

242

Do more research on what I wanted to do with my career and what companies could best offer that goal. Then I would have approached those companies directly.

243

Take a longer break between retiring from Army and starting at the company.

244

Attended for college courses while in the service.

245

I probably would start in the military as long as I could or until I was discharged due to my disabilities.

246

I don't know. Before leaving the Armed Forces, the system must prepare the soldier what jobs he can find at his area, so he or she can decide better staying or not in the military.

247

Everything

248

I would have spent more time getting an education and to receive my Bachelor's Degree.

249

File a claim for disability benefits soon after separation.

250

Seek civilian job information, four months before I was discharged out. Attend job fairs once discharged out and obtain assistance in preparing a resume after being discharged.

251

Go to work for DOD, DOE

252

I would have saved money prior to the transition

253

I would have avoided medical and not been kicked out in the first place.

254

Stay in?
Go GS?
Go down Financial track versus HR?
Casey Stengel: "If you come to a fork in the road...take it"

255

I would change my focus from fulfilling all of the military requirements that were demanded to be completed by the same higher ups who knew that I'd requested to retire, and to place my focus on what I needed to accomplish for my retirement.

256

Start my own company!
Not listen to the job search and resume writing tips.

257

Attend more job fairs

258

Start way earlier and get assistance

259

I would network more and be more open minded to careers. I would have not started working until my va disability was finalized

260

I wouldn't do anything different. Those lessons have been invaluable and I've shared them with many other people.

261

I would have stayed in the military.

262

I would have started early and trusted that the info provided by the military was false.

263

Probably change my mindset because I was in Germany when I retired and I was trying to get into a Federal position, but I wasn't able to secure employment with the US Government so I had to leave before my transition leave ended. I should've been looking for employment back in the states also.

264

Yes. I would be better prepared for interviews so I could relax and not see them as a "Test" but rather a "chat" or conversation.

265

Not drop my retirement packet 90 days out, still go ADVON and stay the entire deployment, leaving 45 days to clear.

266

I would have meet with a veteran counselor at the college I was attending.

267

I would understand financial implications sooner (insurance, VA process, etc.)

268

I would have started my VA paperwork sooner.

269

I wouldn't have wasted time at the university and went straight into tech school.

270

everything.

271

Submit medical paperwork earlier

272

I would have accepted the medical retirement that was offered to me a couple of years prior. Now I get nothing for retirement.

Also, I would have worked harder on completing my Associate's Degree using Tuition Assistance. The GI Bill doesn't last long enough for a four year ride.

273

Honestly try to of stayed in longer move to another base.

274

I would have taken better advantage GI Bill and vocational rehab programs and pursued a completely different Avenue. My current vocation is 180 degrees from where I expected to be

275

Plan ahead

276

Do differemtly not go to the TAP class. I would look for a job and not let my chain of command keep me down

277

I would have joined the reserves and completed twenty or more years in the reserves.

278

Stay in the military.

279

Think about benefits! They are expensive.

280

I would have gone with a different job. I took a job in Procurement Assurance with a well respected, establish company, Texas Instruments. It wasn't the job I wanted, but was the company I wanted. Instead, I would have started in the Sales job type I wanted even though it was in a different industry, HVAC. It is harder to change job types later in your career especially if you excel where you're at.

281

I would have re-enlisted and stayed until retirement.

282

Talk to someone in the civilian sector who had been in the military

283

I would have began separation much sooner, I would have contacted multiple recruiters to help find me a job at my separation date.

284

I would have done a better job tailoring my resumes to the jobs I was applying for.

285

I learned that via the Army I had more value than for which I marketed myself.

286

I would have sought counseling. both for the emotional transition from combat to life "in the world" or for career planning.

287

Plan ahead & not loose military leave.

288

I would have completed my evaluation for VA benefits. I decided to wait until I got to Houston, and it was the worst mistake I made during my transition.

289

I would not have gone back to work so soon. I personally was dealing with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. Additionally, I had a host of physical issues. I would have completed my counseling and physical therapy before I went back into the workforce. It is hard to do them at the same time because of having to leave work for appointments.

290

Fight harder to stay in the military.

291

Take time after retirement to decompress and evaluate what I want to do. Retiring from the military after decades results in very different issues that those who transition from the military after a few years service.

292

I wouldn't transition until I completed a full military career and completed an education.

293

I would not have transitioned

294

I would have asked for an assignment closer to my family home. There, I could have established a local support network rather than build it long-distance.

295

I would have taken more time than the 6 and 1/2 months I had to transition.

296

maybe negotiate the first job differently, but honestly probably same outcome.

297

Get a masters degree and apply for an internship

298

Take more time for me while on active duty to focus on preparing for my life, the time allotted is not enough.

299

Plan earlier, focus on self rather than mission in closing days of service

300

Start to work with an executive coach right away to help me figure out what I really wanted to do.

301

I would have started as soon as I made the decision - you need to make sure that family is on the same page and that you consider things like living areas, schools, spouse work availability and ask yourself...is this a job I would be happy in - or is it just going to be a transition position? Plan now.

302

I would have liked to begin the process of applying for jobs earlier. However, when I was informed of the decision (by the Medical Board) that I was to be separated - not retired - I had very little time to begin applying for jobs, considering the amount of time necessary to transfer my clearance and/or find a job with enough pay to sustain my family.

303

I would of started the TAP more than a year out.

304

Stay in the military

305

Stay active futy

306

Having a plan even if it meant going to a tech school (thats what I did though I had not planned it)

307

I would network more and speak with more veteran service organizations.

308

I would have continued with part-time post-secondary (college/university) education, and found a better way to balance that and family/work demands.

309

Start earlier. Take advantage of more college before retirement.

310

Figure out what I wanted sooner

311

I would push harder for ccc

312

Stay in the army because there are no high paying jobs.

313

Start the whole job interview process for jobs before I got out. Also, I wouldn't have ETS from Europe. It made it that much harder to transition being an ocean away from all the jobs. If the civilian jobs didn't pan out, apply for a police academy early, since that is apparently all I can do.

314

Review offers more closely and compare to competitors, I was too naive.

315

I would stay in the reserves.

316

I would have started my job search at least a year prior to my planned departure (terminal leave)

317

Seek employment opportunities earlier and work on networking sooner.

318

I would renew my contract with the Army and stay there.

319

Since my transition was on the Army's terms and not mine, I don't think there is much that I could have done differently.

320

Different times. But today's veterans should be told to go right into college for at least two semesters and recalibrate to civilian life.

321

Greater Planning

322

I'm glad I don't have to.

323

Move for the job opportunity don't just limit yourself to one location.

324

develop a better time line with realistic milestones to work towards in my transition. Starting a year out is too late really.

325

Use permissive TDY and not feel guilty for taking $$ from the Army to look for a job.

326

Connect up with a VA VET REP at my local unemployment office!!!

327

I would not accept the first job offer.

328

Asking the government for information

329

I would cast a wider net for career opportunities. I believe I narrowed my potential employers a bit too limiting.

330

The VA claim!

331

Start sooner

332

I would have completed a lot more training in my field prior to exiting.

333

I would have lined a job up before I left.

334

Post resume prior to getting out. Secure a job with start date prior to ETS.

335

I would have used my GI bill while working a part time job. But at the time, I didn't see how to work and go to school at the same time.

336

Arm myself with Soldiers who share common service concerns as yourself be it USAR (w/7200 retirement points, etc, or med board, etc.,) and a line myself with the true SME's who should have made it far easier and more productive than those I experienced who just was there to collect a pay check and didn't give a damn about the Wounded Warrior's the served.

337

Give myself more time and allow myself more time to do ETAP, instead of in a expedited manner which I had to do it.

338

I shouldve tried finding a job prior to leaving instead of focusing on school and waiting three months after the military to job search.

339

I would have gone home to my address of record and not lingered near my duty station. I would have joined a vet support group. I would have sought professional counseling sooner.

340

I took my parents up on their offer to move my family in with them.

It made it easier for a base of operations but I stayed too long

My first job was as a remote project manager. Lots of travel.

Military families are very independent. Had more issues the longer we stayed.

If offered to stay with family have a plan to get out in a reasonable amount of time.

341

Take more time to explore opportunities

342

Have a stronger more meaningful college degree.

343

Invite this spouse that doesn't have a brain injury.

344

i would start the process of differentiation earlier, and i would learn how to program computers (web-development) with a self-study course.

345

not accept first position offered

346

Start the VA disability claim process earlier

347

I did not want to transition.
But, I would save more money and eliminate all unnecessary allotments. I would prepare myself better, financially. I would stay on that Voc.Rehab counselor back and make her do her job!!! I would take everything that is mine and not allow anyone to short-cut me, just to minimize their work load of Warriors!

348

yes, i would of stayed in and went to school

349

MAYBE TO RETHINK THE WHY I CHOSE TO DISCHARGE FROM MY SERVICE TO SERVE THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH.

350

Networked more.

351

Attend a non-profit college

352

Network, network, and network.

353

Get my degree in health information technology and certifications.

354

More networking and seeking more help.

355

Start networking sooner

356

I would focus on work rather than location.

357

I would have definitely leveraged LinkedIn more in this process. But I'm going back 7 years so it was not as imperative as it is now.

358

Try to attend Deloitte's CORE leadership conference earlier. It would have helped me identify my strengths and passions and help me to better focus my career search.

359

I would get started earlier on obtaining industry recognized certifications. The certifications go a long way to bridging the experience gap, the companies are familiar with the content and it allows for a common language. In the peak of transitioning, it is easy to put the certification on the back burner, but if it is already completed and can go on your resume when you walk into a job interview, that is a huge leg up and a weight off your shoulder.

360

Have a better understanding of the Tricare system.

361

Begin networking two to three years out from my transition in order to position myself for the job or work that I wanted to do. I would have had my resume reviewed by someone outside of the military and had it finished - ready to give to potential employers. I would have transitioned my job to my replacement 1 year out and focused on my next career. Granted, this was hindered by the military organizations requirements that were beyond my control. I would have taken the time that I was out of the workforce to attain the knowledge of the industry that I wanted to work in and get the certifications that would bring in a higher salary.

362

Not get out.
Take the family issues or the divorce

363

How important networking is and truly understanding how my skills matched against civilian jobs. I also was not good at explaining how my skills related to the positions I was applying for.

364

Aim for much larger companies with Veteran hiring initiatives.

365

1. Scheduled my VA appointments much earlier.
2. Calm down.

366

Skip the Army programs and do everything myself.

367

Start planning earlier with proper transition.

368

Fought to stay in.

369

Get out later. Get a job directly out of the military as opposed to going straight to grad school. Talk with more veterans who have transitioned.

370

I would learn more about salary negotiation, resume writing and have my undergraduate degree prior to transitioning.

371

I got an MBA right after leaving which was good. Then worked corporate and did not fit in. I would have got a job with a company that understood veterans and capabilities. I would have also looked into business ownership but it was never presented so i did not think about it.